November 2020
Dear Editor –
Recently the Doddridge County Commission approved placing on the ballot to continue the Special Levy that has been in existence for over 30 years on January 16, 2020. This levy supports the DC Health Dept., the DC Library, the DC Parks & Rec. Comm. and the WVU Extension Office (4-H). These funds have helped improve citizens’ health, well-being, education, and safety in Doddridge County.
It is essential to understand the levy rate has decreased for the next five-year term due to the growing economy in Doddridge County. The increase in revenue generated by a growth in the business community and business taxes, has caused the total amount collected through the special levy to increase over the prior levy term. With the proposed decrease in the 2021 – 2026 term rate, the projected income would decrease from $2.023 million to $1.821 million annually—saving businesses over $200,000 yearly for the levy’s five years. Over 94% of the money generated comes from Class III taxes from businesses operating in the County.
With the decrease in the Special Levy rate, the average citizen could reduce their tax bill in the future.
Examples of the Special Levy’s impact: This money allows the DC Health Department to immunize citizens of all ages and provide home health care to those in need; it allows the Extension Services to run Energy Express each Summer; it allows the Park to provide recreation to citizens and invest in the upkeep and maintenance of Park facilities; and lastly it provides the Library the resources it needs to teach literacy to young people, genealogy resources to seniors and internet access to all patrons who visit.
The loss of levy funding would negatively impact each citizen in the County through the inevitable loss of services from each of the agencies listed.
We appreciate your support of the Special Levy and ask your readers to think about the future of Doddridge County as they consider their position on this issue.
Sincerely,
Victoria Gains, Director, DC Library System
Greg Cottrill, Director, DCPRC
Debbie Davis, Director, DC Health Dept.
Zona Hutson, WVU Extension Agent, Extension Office (4-H)
